For years and years, gym go-ers have been searching for any possible way to get that extra motivation for their workouts. Some cloud up their water with unproven supplements like NO Explode or Jack3d. Others pound back a few espressos and throw down some raspberry ketones before getting their swell on. And then there are others who choose to opt out of the workout completely and post up in a static squat on the couch while watching reruns of The Biggest Loser (ironic?). Today, I’m going to talk about my favourite workout enhancement tool (other than the mirror of course – kidding):

As a strength coach, one of the many upsides of my job is getting to listen to my favourite music all day while watching people lift things up and put them back down. Sometimes though, on the other hand, I am forced to listen to Justin Bieber whine over an 808 so much that I debate smashing my head into a barbell in the hopes that I’ll lose consciousness for the next 5 minutes. Needless to say, the choice in music can be the difference between a good workout and a great workout.

I personally like my music like I like my workouts: hardcore. If I’m listening to rap, I want the lyrics to make me feel as if I’m in the club poppin’ bottles and throwing ones. If it’s metal I want it to make my head bob so hard that I’m a few nods away from a self-induced concussion. If it’s house, then the beat better knock so hard it’ll blow the speakers right out of your mom’s Minivan.

Here are my 3 favourite music genres, each with a list of my top 5 P.E.M. songs, as well as some Honourable Mentions (HM) that I just could not leave off the list.

Genre: House

I was introduced to House a few years back when I used to make fun of my girlfriend for listening to “that garbage”. A few years later, I find myself stealing her iPod, shazaming songs in her car and denying that I ever made such comments. Nothing drowns out the thump of your pounding heartbeat like a loud beat mixed in with some eargasmic female vocals.

This song makes it seem like there’s a stadium of 10 000 people surrounding you while you work out. The beat is crazy and the clapping in the background is icing on the cake.

HM’s:

“Antidote” by Swedish House Mafia

“Feel Alive” by Benny Benassi

“Greyhound” (Original Mix) by Swedish House Mafia

“Ladi Dadi” (Tommy Trash Remix) by Steve Aoki ft. Wynter Gordon

“Shake It Out” by Benny Benassi Ft. Florence + The Machine

“Two Days Straight” by Na Palm

“Feel the Dada” by Dada Life

“Wonderland” by Natalia Kills (PeaceTreaty Dubstep Remix)

“Hungry Like a Wolf” by Steve Aoki ft. Duran Duran

Genre: Rap

I started listening to rap much like every other teenaged white kid from the suburbs: when Eminem hit the scene. I may have taken it a little too far when I started memorizing his rap battles and dressing like I lived on 8 mile – but that’s another story. Here are my top rap workout tracks.

Nick Hodgins, London Knights draft, pick rockin’ the Gongshow bucket for his training

A new song that I can’t get enough of in the gym. Doesn’t matter what exercise I’m doing, this song makes me hustle.

HM’s:

“Get Up” by 50 Cent

“Rollin” by Lil Wayne

“Welcome Back” by Young Jeezy

“Rollin’” Remix by Limp Bizkit

“Red Nation” by The Game ft. Lil Wayne

“I’m Talking to You” by T.I.

“Still Dre” by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg

“Dope Boyz” by The Game

Anything Wiz Khalifa

Anything Eminem

Anything Drake

Genre: Alternative/Metal/Rock (or whatever it’s called)

Dan Boyle first brought this noise to Greco about 7 summers ago when he showed up to the gym, iPod in hand, ready to rock. This is the last type of music I ever expected to listen to but these days, nothing gets me pumped for a heavy set like some classic Disturbed.

Lastly, my deadlift song. Bar none, I can pull more weight off the floor listening to the song than any other.

HM’s:

“Right Now” by Korn

“Headstrong” by Trapt

“Hot Dog” by Limp Bizkit

“Break” & “Animal I Have Become” by Three Days Grace

“Fear” & “Down with the Sickness” by Disturbed

There they are: my favourite songs to train to. I’d love to get some of your feedback, as well as hear some of the songs you like to train to. Leave a comment below if you like any of these songs, have suggestions for me, or downright hate my music.

Check out my next post on an “NHL Prospect Camp Through a Players Eyes” coming soon.

Jake Wright is a highly praised personal trainer, strength coach and part owner of two Greco Lean and Fit Centres in Kanata, Ontario. He started his fitness career in 2007 under the guidance of Tony Greco (www.tonygreco.ca) and earned a BSC in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. Since the start of his fitness career, Jake has coached and trained clients to reach and surpass their fitness goals, including professional athletes, post-rehabilitation patients and general fitness enthusiasts.

Jake and his fellow trainer and business partner Adam Bracken both grew up in the Ottawa minor hockey system and have a passion for helping young players fulfill their dreams. Together, they create and survey the programs for upwards of 50 players each year during off-season, with clients ranging from NHLers to young aspiring minor hockey players.

If you’re in the Ottawa area at any point this summer and would like to know more about what Jake and Adam can do for your off-season conditioning, feel free to stop by 100 Schneider road, Kanata, Ontario or check them out at www.grecotrainlikeafreak.com.

Love this blog as well! We added links to the main songs but I’ve been rocking out to all of these as well! I’m partial to the electronic stuff and the older rock! Remember my big brother playing Break Stuff in his truck after school every day when that album first came out! Which song/genre is your favorite Gongers?!